Laforza

[a.m.alfa]

Laforza Automobiles, Inc. manufactures and distributes luxury-class Italian sport utility vehicles available in the US and Europe. Production of other models, including its armoured vehicles, is scheduled for Spring/Summer 2001. The bodywork is styled by the automotive stylist Thomas Tjaarda and is manufactured in Cherasco, Italy by Laforza International, srl.

The first Laforzas arrived in the United States between 1988-89 with some modifications to the Magnum 4x4 base frame. The major differences included: reinforced and modified cross members, (transmission) and other details to use the Template:Auto CID Ford V8 (more commonly known as the 5.0 Liter) EFI engine and the AOD transmission, coupled with a "2wd high, 4wd high, 4wd low" Newprocess 229 transfer case.

The body underwent some minor restyling, bumpers and tail lights were different, as well as the headlights and grille.

The Magnum 4x4's leather interior was retained in the American version, but upgraded with a new type of dash and seats as well as the center tunnel and the door panels.

Some of the vehicle's design innovations included the composite integrated bumpers painted in the same color of the body, smooth roof lines without rain gutters, and a more rounded body shape.

SPECIFICATION

For safety, Laforza offers an 18-gauge steel body, a rugged box-ladder frame, European touring sedan handling and a technologically advanced four-wheel drive. Laforza can easily handle hazardous weather and bad road conditions.

POWERTRAIN

The car has an electronically fuel injected 5-litre V8 engine, an electronic four-speed automatic transmission with high efficiency overdrive and a full-time all-wheel drive. All these systems are manufactured by Ford Motor Company.

POWER ASSISTS

The power assists consist of six-way power front seats, power windows, power sliding/tilting moon roof, power door locks, dual power-operated sideview mirrors and a remote operated locking system.

[a.m.alfa]

DIMENSIONS

The overall length of the vehicle is 179in, with a wheelbase of 106 in. Its width is 78.7in, the track-front and rear is 67.8in. The car has a height of 73.6in, and a ground clearance of 6.75in. The turning diameter is 33in and the front hiproom is 62in. The cargo space (seat up) is 40.53ft³, while the cargo space (seat folded) is 81.53ft³, and the cargo space (seat out) is 96.04ft³. The vehicle weighs 4,950lbs and its fuel capacity is 25 gallons.


STEERING AND BRAKING

The vehicle steering and braking consists of a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and a power-assisted vented front disc and rear drum brakes.


CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION

The chassis and suspension are made of a box-ladder constructed steel frame, a heavy-duty independent front suspension with double wishbone and torsion bar design. Other features include the full floating beam axle rear suspension with proportional leaf springs, the high-pressure gas-charged shock absorbers and a two-piece custom HRE 17in aluminium sport wheels with radial tyres.

CONVENIENCE

Also included are the intermittent windshield wipers, the rear-window defogger, the rear window washer/wiper and the pouches on front doors and front seat backs.


MARKET RATIONALE

In 2000, Laforza Automobiles, Inc completed its acquisition of all of the assets of Magnum Industriale srl. To date, Magnum has been Laforza's supplier for Laforza bodies, frames, and accessories.

For the past few years, primarily in the US, Laforza has manufactured and distributed a luxury sport utility vehicle under the Laforza name-plate. The company is now prepared to go full-speed ahead with its plans to manufacture and market the Laforza Magnum PSV (personal security vehicle) and the Laforza VAV, a military personnel vehicle. The company objective is to provide a new class of vehicle for personal security that looks and performs like a luxury SUV.

Typical armoured vehicles are custom-made, adding an average $40,000 to $100,000 to the base price of an automobile. The Laforza Magnum PSV is projected to have a base sticker price of $100,000. Laforza anticipates Italian plant manufacturing capacity to be 200 vehicles for the next year, with expansion of the company's production capacity in the future.

[a.m.alfa]